He also mentioned the number of young women in the audience, saying “Look at all the young girls. This is a felony waiting to happen.”

Joly says that Peters’ comments were clearly inappropriate, adding that this type of humour does not have a place at the Juno Awards.

The minister says that she is proud to represent an industry worth $53 billion, noting Canada is the third largest exporter of music in the world.

WATCH BELOW: The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie among the winners at the 2017 Juno Awards

“We need to make sure that all our role models are supporting the importance of gender parity,” Joly said. “I really hope that he takes that into consideration and understands … the importance of what he said.”

The comment about the Minister of Canadian Heritage, who was there to present Ruth B with her Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award, sparked outrage on social media.

But the worst part of the night was when Russell Peters said "I don't know why she's here but she's hot" about the HONOURABLE Melanie Joly.